Fluid mixing method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for mixing fuel and oil, to achieve a desired mixture ratio, includes calculating a required number of fuel units, to be mixed with a predetermined volume of oil, for achieving the desired mixture ratio, as a function of calculation terms including the desired mixture ratio and an arbitrarily selected correlation number correlating the predetermined volume of oil to the desired mixture ratio. The required number of fuel units is thus calculated without the use of a calculation term equaling the predetermined volume of oil, thereby facilitating accurate mixing of even custom mixture ratios with simple calculations that can be done mentally.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/485,812, filed Jul. 9, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to mixing two or more liquids,and more particularly relates to a method and apparatus for mixingfluids such as fuel and oil for engines that require accurately mixedoil and gasoline or other fuels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The mixing of oil and gasoline is necessary for the proper operation oftwo-cycle and other engines. The relative amounts of fuel and oil aretypically stated as a mixture ratio, relating the number of fuel unitsthat would need to be mixed with a single unit of oil to achieve thedesired mix ratios. The use of mixture ratios allows the proper mix tobe prepared, no matter what system of units the fuel and oil areprovided in, for example U.S. gallons, Imperial gallons, liters, etc.

In the past, commonly used mixture ratios have included ratios of 16:1;32:1; 40:1 48: 1, etc. As new and improved lubricants have becomeavailable, which are generally more efficient and more expensive thanthe oils used in the past, higher mixture ratios of 98:1, 100:1, andeven higher have become desirable.

Unfortunately, because not all engines require the same mixture ratios,and because the recommended shelf life of fuel mixtures is relativelyshort, on the order of a month or so, pre-mixed oil and gasolineproducts are generally not available. It is also desirable in somecircumstances, such as during the break in period for a new engine, orunder extremely cold or hot operating conditions, to vary the fuelmixture slightly to achieve optimum efficiency or life of the engine.

Generally speaking, therefore, the fuel mixture for such engines iscustom mixed in relatively small quantities of a few gallons at a time.While it would seem to be a relatively easy and straightforward matterto provide a desired quantity of mixture by deciding on a desired fuelmixture, calculating and measuring out the required number of fuel andoil units and mixing them together, the process is complicated byseveral factors.

First, the system of measurement of fuel and oil may not lend itselfwell to convenient measuring and mixing. In a system of units based onthe US gallon, for example, oil is typically supplied in units of fluidounces, and the fuel is dispensed in gallons and decimal fractions of agallon, making it necessary to perform mathematical conversions ofgallons of fuel to fluid ounces of fuel, or fluid ounces of oil todecimal fractions of gallons, in order to conveniently measure out theright amounts of fuel and oil to achieve the desired mixture ratio.Particularly, if a high mixture ratio of say 100:1 were desired, mixing100 gallons of fuel with 1 gallon of oil would result in 101 gallons ofmixture being produced, and amount that would be highly impractical inall but the rarest of circumstances. Without having a calculator andconversion factors or table available, it can be almost impossible tomentally calculate the volumes of fuel and oil that are required for adesired mixture ratio with any degree of accuracy.

Compounding the problem of dealing with different fluid units andfractions, the oil may not be commercially available in packagescontaining a volume of oil that lends itself well to producing thedesired quantity of mixture in a manageable volume. To produce amanageable volume of mixture, such as two to six gallons for example, aperson doing the mixing must deal with fractions of a gallon, or verylarge numbers of ounces of fuel, in calculating the required amounts orfuel and oil and performing the mixing. Available measuring devices maynot be calibrated in the required units, and will typically not providethe accuracy required, particularly for high mixture ratios where asmall error in the amount of oil that is added can have a large effecton the ratio of the mixture.

To deal with the problems inherent in mixing fuel and oil, variousmethods and devices have been developed through the years. Some enginescontain mechanical or electromechanical injectors, but these areexpensive and their failure can lead to high repair costs. It is alsotypically difficult to change the mixture ratio provided by theinjectors so that they can effectively and efficiently operate withimproved lubricants.

For engines without oil injection systems, oil may be measured by handto provide precise mixing. Typically, measuring cups are used to measureoil for two-cycle engines, which are messy to clean and not accurate.Oil has been provided in plastic two-cycle oil containers, withmeasurement indicators typically showing only four-ounce increments,making accurate measurement very difficult.

Even where oil is provided in containers of an appropriate volume, tosimply be poured into a mixing container to be filled with a requiredvolume of fuel, the entire net fluid volume of the oil container may notdrain out into the mixing container. Some of the oil will adhere to theinside of the oil container, thereby producing a mixture ratio that isricher than desirable in fuel, which may not provide adequatelubrication of the engine, particularly at high mixture ratios such as100:1 or higher.

Specialized containers or apparatuses have also been developed formixing oil and gas at a predetermined ratio, such as the method andapparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,995. Although thesespecialized containers can work well for their intended purpose over arange of predetermined mixture ratios, they are still prone toinaccuracy and cannot be used with any degree of accuracy for mixingfuel and oil in custom ratios that are different from the ones marked onthe apparatus. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method andapparatus for mixing oil with fuel to achieve a desired mixture ratio.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an improved method and apparatus for mixing twoor more fluids to achieve a desired mixture ratio, by calculating arequired number of units of a first liquid to be mixed with apredetermined volume of a second liquid, for achieving the desiredmixture ratio, as a function of calculation terms including the desiredmixture ratio and an arbitrarily selected correlation number correlatingthe predetermined volume of the second liquid to the desired mixtureratio, to thereby allow the required number of units of the first liquidto be calculated without the use of a calculation term equaling thepredetermined volume of the second liquid.

Where the fluids to be mixed include oil and fuel, the inventionprovides an improved apparatus and method for mixing fuel and oil toachieve a desired mixture ratio, by calculating a required number offuel units to be mixed with a predetermined volume of oil, for achievingthe desired mixture ratio, as a function of calculation terms includingthe desired mixture ratio and an arbitrarily selected correlation numbercorrelating the predetermined volume of oil to the desired mixtureratio. The method and apparatus of the invention thereby allow therequired number of fuel units to be calculated without the use of acalculation term equaling the predetermined volume of oil. The methodand apparatus may also include adding the determined number of fuelunits to the predetermined volume of oil.

In one form of the invention, the terms used in the function consist ofthe desired mixture ratio and the correlation number. The correlationnumber may be a positive, non-negative, whole number integer value. Thefunction may consist of multiplying the desired mixture ratio by thecorrelation number, or alternatively dividing the desired mixture ratioby the correlation number. Preferably, a predetermined volume of oil isselected that is correlated to the desired mixture ratio by acorrelation number which is readily mentally divisible into the desiredmixture ratio to provide a quotient equal to the number of fuel unitsrequired.

The invention may include providing a table cross-referencing potentialdesired mixture ratios to required fuel unit quantities calculated bythe function using the correlation number. The invention provides anadvantage in that the predetermined volume of oil may be unknown at thetime of calculating the required number of fuel units.

In one form of the invention, the predetermined volume of oil may bepackaged in an oil container, which may include a packaging allowancevolume of oil added to the predetermined volume of oil in the oilcontainer, to thereby form combined contents of the oil container.Instructions may be provided for the manner in which the predeterminedvolume of oil portion of the combined contents of the oil container isto be transferred to a mixing vessel, to thereby facilitate delivery ofthe entire predetermined volume of oil to a mixing container. Mixing ofthe determined volume of fuel with the predetermined volume of oil maybe conducted at a liquid fuel pump, where the pump includes a meterproviding an indicated amount of liquid fuel pumped, and mixing furtherincludes pumping the liquid pump and dispensing pumped liquid into themixing vessel until the indicated amount equals the determined amount offuel units and placing the amount of oil into the mixing vessel.

The liquid fuel may be dispensed into the mixing vessel after thepredetermined amount of oil is placed into the storage vessel. Thepredetermined volume of oil may be packaged in an oil container, toprovide contents of the oil container that are added to the mixingvessel. A packaging allowance of oil may be added to the contents of theoil container to form combined contents of the oil container.Instructions may be provided for transferring the predetermined volumeof oil portion of the combined contents from the oil container into themissing vessel, and the predetermined volume of oil portion of thecombined contents of the oil container may be transferred into themixing vessel, in accordance with the provided instructions.

Where the fuel is gasoline, the mixing is preferably conducted at a gaspump with a meter providing an indicated amount of gasoline. Mixing mayinclude pumping the gas and dispensing pumped gas into a mixing vesseluntil the indicated amount equals the determined amount of gas. By lawand regulation, gasoline pumps at commercial gas stations are veryaccurate and precise. The present invention contemplates using theaccuracy at the pump to achieve accuracy in the resulting gas to oilmixture ratio.

In addition, an embodiment may further be directed to selecting thestorage vessel for containing the predetermined volume of oil anddetermining how much extra oil the storage vessel retains after theamount of oil is poured out of the container via gravity. The amountcontained in the storage vessel may include a first amount of oil in thecontainer that is a multiple of 3.2 ounces and a second correctionamount of oil. Using this aspect of the invention, one can achieve evenbetter precision and accuracy in the mixture ratio.

Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thespecification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an oil container with a label includinginformation and instructions disposed thereon, in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of a method for arbitrarily selecting acorrelation number according to the invention; and

FIG. 3 is an enlarged removed view of the label shown in FIG. 1.

While the invention will be described in connection with certainpreferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to thoseembodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives,modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 for mixing fueland oil to achieve a desired mixture ratio. The apparatus 10 of theexemplary embodiment includes an oil container 12 containing apredetermined volume of oil 14 (as indicated by dashed line 14) formixing with a required number of fuel units, for achieving the desiredmixture ratio.

The predetermined volume of oil 14 is calculated as a function ofcalculation terms including the desired mixture ratio and an arbitrarilyselected correlation number. The correlation number correlates thepredetermined volume of oil 14 to the desired mixture ratio, to therebyallow the required number of fuel units to be calculated without the useof a calculation term equaling the predetermined volume of oil 14. Theterm “arbitrarily selected,” as used herein, is intended to convey itscommonly defined connotation to indicate that the selection of thecorrelation number is totally dependent upon individual discretion,preference or convenience, rather than by necessity or the intrinsicnature of the oil or fuel, and is not fixed by any physical law.

In the exemplary embodiment, the function will include only the desiredmix ratio and the correlation number as calculation terms. In otherembodiments of the invention, however, other functions and terms may beutilized within the scope of the appended claims.

FIG. 2 illustrates one method 16 by which the correlation number andpredetermined volume of oil 14 may be selected. As shown in box 18, arange of desired mix ratios is selected. A range of desired mixingcontainer sizes is also selected, as shown in box 20. The correlationnumber is then arbitrarily selected, as shown at box 22.

In general, it will be desirable to select a correlation number whichcan be readily utilized as a calculation term in the function, formultiplying the desired mixture ratio by the correlation number, or fordividing the desired mixture ratio by the correlation number. It isparticularly desirable to select a correlation number that facilitatesmentally multiplying or dividing the mixture ratio, to calculate therequired number of fuel units. In this regard, it is particularlydesirable, but not required, to select a correlation number that is apositive, non-negative, whole number integer value, such as 5, 10, 20,24, 25, 30, etc.

In this regard, it can be advantageous to select a correlation numberthat is evenly divisible into one or more of the mixture ratios in thedesired range of mixture ratios. For mixture ratios in the range of 50:1to 150: 1, for example, it might be desired to utilize a correlationnumber of 25, so that when a desired mixture ratio such as 50: 1, 75:1,100:1, 125:1, or 150:1 is divided by the correlation number, the numberof fuel units are even numbers of US gallons, i.e. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6gallons respectively. It will be understood, however, that one of theadvantages provided by the invention is that the correlation number canbe used to conveniently calculate the fuel units required for achievingany desired mix ratio, and is not limited to mixture ratios that areevenly divisible by the correlation ratio, or mixture ratios that yieldeven numbers of fuel units.

Once the correlation number is selected, the predetermined volume of oil14 is calculated, as shown at box 24 in FIG. 2, for the standard unit ofmeasurement selected for the fuel units, by dividing the standard unitof fuel by the correlation number. For example, where US gallons are tobe used, a correlation number of 25 would yield a predetermined oilvolume of {fraction (1/25)}^(th) of a US gallon of oil, or 5.12 U.S.fluid ounces (128 fluid oz/US gallon, divided by 25).

As shown at box 26, the selected values and ranges are then checked bycalculating the fuel units required for the selected range of mixtureratios, using the selected correlation number and one or more mixtureratios within the selected range of mixture ratios. As shown at decisiondiamond 28, if the selected correlation number yields a number of fuelunits that could be held within a mixing container, together with thecalculated predetermined volume of oil 14 as determined in box 24, forall mixture ratios within the selected range of desired mixing containersizes, the selection process for the correlation number is ended. Ifnot, the process is iterated, as shown in FIG. 2, until an acceptablecombination of a correlation number and a related predetermined volumeof oil 14 are established.

Once the predetermined volume of oil 14 and the correlation number areestablished, it is an easy matter to calculate the number of fuel unitsrequired for achieving any desired mixture ratio using the correlationnumber and the desired mixture ratio. It may also be desirable in someembodiments of the invention to provide a table cross-referencingpotential desired mixture ratios to required fuel unit quantitiescalculated by the function using the correlation number, as shown belowin Table 1.

Table 1, below, shows an exemplary chart for a predetermined oil volumeof 5.12 US fluid ounces. TABLE 1 Ratio US Gal Imperial Gallons Liters150:1  6 5 22.71 125:1  5 4.16 18.93 100:1  4 3.33 15.14 75:1 3 2.5011.35 50:1 2 1.67 7.57 40:1 1.60 1.33 6.05 32:1 1.40 1.07 4.85 24:1 0.960.80 3.63 16:1 0.60 0.53 2.42 12:1 0.48 0.40 1.82 Custom R/25 = USG R/30= IG R/6.605 = L

It will be noted that Table 1 includes a tabulation of fuel units for anumber of mixture ratios, and correlation numbers for calculating acustom mixture ratio, for several different measurement systems usingthe same predetermined volume of oil 14. In other embodiments of theinvention, it may be desirable to select a single correlation numberwhich can be used for calculating fuel units required in two or moresystems of measurement.

Table 2 provides a second exemplary embodiment of a table, according tothe invention, having different mixture ratios, and correlation numbersthan those shown in Table 1. Table 2, below, shows an exemplary chartfor a predetermined volume of oil equal to 6.4 US fluid ounces. TABLE 2Ratio US Gal Imperial Gallons Liters 96:1 4.80 4.00 18.00 48:1 2.40 2.009.00 40:1 2.00 1.66 7.50 32:1 1.60 1.33 6.00 24:1 1.20 1.00 4.50 16:10.80 0.66 3.00 Custom R/20 R/24 R/5.33

Table 2 illustrates that the predetermined volume of oil 14 may beselected to have a convenient volume for a particular standard unit ofmeasurement related to the unit of fluid that will be used for the fuelunits. For example, packaging the predetermined volume of oil 14 inincrements of 3.2 fluid ounces, 6.4 fluid ounces, or 12.8 fluid ouncesmight prove to be practical where the U.S. system of measurement isused, because the US system includes a gallon equal to 128 fluid ounces,and the increments listed are evenly divisible into 128. If Imperialgallons are to be used, however, it might be more convenient to packagethe oil in 8.0 Imperial fluid ounce units, because the Imperial gallonhas 160 Imperial fluid ounces.

As will be understood from the description above, however, that one ofthe advantages provided by the invention is that it is not necessary touse predetermined volumes of oil that are evenly divisible into the unitof measure selected for the fuel units. Once the correlation number isestablished, the actual volume selected for the predetermined volumebecomes essentially irrelevant to calculating the number of fuel unitsrequired. A person can calculate the number of fuel units required for adesired mixture ratio, and accurately mix the required number of unitsof fuel with the predetermined volume of oil with no knowledge of thepredetermined volume of oil.

In accordance with the invention, the predetermined volume of oil 14 ispreferably packaged in an oil container, such as the oil container 12shown in FIG. 1. The contents of the oil container 14 can then simply bepoured into a mixing vessel, along with the calculated number of fuelunits, to provide the desired mixture ratio. Preferably, the mixing isconducted at a liquid fuel pump having a meter providing an indicatedamount of liquid fuel pumped, with the mixing being carried out bypumping the liquid pump and dispensing fuel into the mixing vessel untilthe indicated amount equals the determined amount of fuel units, andplacing the amount of oil into the receiving vessel. If thepredetermined volume of oil 14 is poured into the mixing vessel part waythrough the process of adding the required number of fuel units, theprocess of pumping the remainder of fuel into the mixing vessel willhelp to mix the oil with the fuel.

By providing packages of oil containing only the predetermined volume ofoil 14, the mixing process is greatly facilitated and no waste isgenerated, as in the past, by having to measure out a quantity of oilfrom a larger container. When oil must be poured from a largercontainer, there is almost always some amount of oil left over that willeither be discarded, or which must be poured into another container,creating waste and the potential for environmental pollution.

No matter how the oil is packaged, however, where it must be poured outof an oil container, some amount of oil residue will be left inside ofthe oil container clinging to the walls of the container. This oilresidue left in the container results in the mixture ratio beingslightly richer than calculated. For high mixture ratios, in particular,or where close control of custom mixtures is required or desired, thiscauses an undesirable inaccuracy in the mixing process. To alleviatethis problem, in the exemplary embodiment, a packaging allowance volumeof oil 32, as shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1, is added to thepredetermined volume of oil in the oil container 12, to thereby formcombined contents of the oil container 12, and instructions are providedfor the manner in which the predetermined volume of oil 14 portion ofthe combined contents of the oil container 12 are to be transferred to amixing vessel, to thereby facilitate delivery of the entirepredetermined volume of oil to a mixing container.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in the exemplary embodiment, the instructionsfor transferring the contents of the oil container 12 to a mixingvessel, along with a table including the correlation numbers, andinstructions for calculating the required number of fuel units using thecorrelation number, are provided in the form of a label 30 attached tothe fuel container 12. It should be noted that, although the label 30states a net value for the predetermined volume of oil 14, it is notnecessary to the practice of the invention that either the predeterminedvolume of oil or the combined contents of the oil container be specifiedon the label 30.

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention hasbeen presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the preciseembodiments disclosed. Numerous modifications or variations are possiblein light of the above teachings.

Specifically, although the examples provided herein are directed tomixing two fluids, in the form of oil and fuel, those having skill inthe art will readily recognize that the methods and apparatus of theinvention may be utilized for mixing two or more liquids of other types,such as sprays for crops. In crop spraying, mixture ratios such as 640:1are often used, and it is also common practice to mix three or moreliquids to achieve the final mixture to be sprayed on the crops. Theinvention may also be practiced for mixing yet other liquids, such ascleaning compounds.

In other embodiments of the invention, for example, a storage vessel(e.g. a bottle, can, bag or other suitable vessel) can be adapted tohold two-cycle oil that can be mixed with liquid fuel, e.g. gasoline, toobtain a mixture of at least two fluids of positive viscosity. Thestorage vessel in the embodiment described above is shown as a plasticbottle, but the storage vessel can be of spherical, conical or virtuallyan unlimited number of shapes.

In some embodiments of the invention, the mixing of gasoline and oil isfacilitated by providing an oil storage vessel with an amount of oilthat is a multiple of about 3.2 ounces. By providing the amount of oilin a multiple of about 3.2 ounces, waste is reduced by ensuring that theentire quantity of oil is used for an oil mixture. The entire quantityof oil is correlated to possible mixture ratios that are easilydetermined. Specifically, determining how much gasoline to add to themixture is facilitated by requiring only a simple division determinationusing the mixture ratio as the numerator and a multiple of five as thedenominator. A user can divide the mixture ratio without needingassistance tools, or can use assistance tools such as a calculator or adivision chart. A method for facilitating mixing a gasoline and oil fortwo cycle engines includes opening an enclosed storage vessel having anamount of oil that is contained in the storage vessel, the amount of oilbeing in a multiple of about 3.2 ounces. The method further includesdetermining a mixture ratio for a desired gasoline and oil mixture, anddividing the mixture ratio by a whole number that is a multiple of fiveto determine the amount of gasoline to be mixed with the oil.Advantageously, the multiple of five is correlated to the containedamount of oil, thereby preventing waste and facilitating the mixture. Inaddition to preventing waste, the environment benefits by having lessoil waste.

The method also includes mixing the amount of oil with the determinedamount of gasoline. In one embodiment the mixture is mixed at a gasolinepump, thereby providing accurate measurement. For example, the pump canhave a meter providing an indicated amount of gasoline pumped, so thatmixing further comprises pumping the gasoline pump and dispensing pumpedgasoline into a vessel that receives the amount of oil until theindicated amount equals the determined amount of gasoline. This uses theaccuracy of the pump to obtain a very accurate mixture of gas and oil.

The method can be performed by a user via dividing the multiple of fiveindependent of consulting an assistance device such as a calculator,chart or the like because the quotient is purposefully made easy due tothe amount of oil contained in the storage vessel. This is particularlyeasy if the denominator is ten (ie. for a 12.8 ounce oil bottle) sinceall one needs to do is move the decimal point one position.

In another embodiment, however, the dividing is done using a chart, suchas Table 2 above. Such a chart may be attached to the storage vesselshown in FIGS. 1 and 3, printed directly on the storage vessel, orseparated but associated with the storage vessel (e.g. on packaging or aseparate chart).

Tables 1 and 2 illustrate mixing guides for pouring oil directly from astorage vessel without using a measuring cup, in accordance with theinvention. Table 2 indicates a plurality of ratios between the at leasttwo fluids required for a plurality of mixtures and the correlatedfraction for each of the ratios. For facilitating a mix of gasoline andoil for two cycle engines, an embodiment includes opening a storagevessel having an amount of oil that is contained in the storage vesselin a multiple of about 3.2 ounces and preparing the mix. Specifically,the mix can be prepared by locating a mixture ratio associated with thestorage vessel, matching the mixture ratio to a correlated amount ofgasoline in gallons to be added, the correlated amount having beenpredetermined by dividing the mixture ratio by a whole number which is amultiple of 5, and mixing the amount of oil with the determined amountof gasoline.

The predetermined correlated amount is illustrated on the chart showingthe mixture ratio divided by the whole number and multiples. The chartcan be configured to correlate the mixture ratio to the determinedamount of gasoline and include a plurality of different mixture ratiosand corresponding determined amounts of gasoline. For example, the chartcan include the ratios and measurements in the same manner as shown inTables 1 and 2.

In embodiments, with or without the chart, the predetermined volume ofoil can be 6.4 ounces and the whole number can be 20. Alternatively, thepredetermined volume of oil can be 12.8 ounces and the whole number canbe 10. One of ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of thisdisclosure, will appreciate that other multiples of 3.2 and multiples of5 and 10 can be determined and are within the scope of this disclosure.

Also, in some embodiments, the amount of oil in the storage vessel canbe determined by determining how much extra oil the storage vesselretains after the amount of oil is poured out of the storage vessel viagravity, and adding to a first amount of oil in the storage vessel whichis a multiple of 3.2 ounces a correction amount of oil, also referencedherein as the packaging allowance volume of oil, to account for theretained extra oil. In some bottles, it has been found that about a 1-3%error can result due to natural retention of oil in the bottle or canafter it is poured out to the dripping point. What a supplier puts intoan oil can is not what the eventual user gets out of the oil can. As aresult, the phrase “about” is used herein to allow for some deviation inthe numbers which is anticipated by a preferred embodiment theinvention.

One method for determining oil retention is to measure the specificgravity of oil, weigh a container, add a specific amount of oil to thecontainer and weigh that, then pour the oil out of the container (at adesired temperature and at a desired manner e.g. to dripping point andat a selected temperature), then the weight of the container is weighedagain to determine how much oil was retained. In this manner, this extraamount can be added over and above the 3.2 ounce multiple to compensateoil that is not mixed but retained in the can. Other possible methodsinclude scraping the oil with a spatula after pouring to determine howmuch oil is left in a can.

In practicing this additional accuracy aspect of the invention, thestorage vessel should be associated with instructions for pouring thefirst fluid, including how to tilt the storage vessel to preciselyaccount for the added amount, and when to stop pouring (e.g. at the dripstage or after so many drips). Further, the instructions account for atemperature of the first fluid, an amount of time for tilting thestorage vessel and an angle for the tilt. By following the instructions,the delivery of the first fluid can be accurate within approximately 0.5percent.

All references cited herein, including patents, patent applications andpublications are hereby incorporated in their entireties by reference.

The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the bestillustration of the principles of the invention and its practicalapplication to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art toutilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All suchmodifications and variations are within the scope of the invention asdetermined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance withthe breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

1. A method for mixing fuel and oil to achieve a desired mixture ratio,the method comprising, calculating a required number of fuel units to bemixed with a predetermined volume of oil, for achieving the desiredmixture ratio, as a function of calculation terms including the desiredmixture ratio and an arbitrarily selected correlation number correlatingthe predetermined volume of oil to the desired mixture ratio, to therebyallow the required number of fuel units to be calculated without the useof a calculation term equaling the predetermined volume of oil.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the calculation terms used in the functionconsist of the desired mixture ratio and the correlation number.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the correlation number is a positive,non-negative, whole number integer value.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the function consists of multiplying the desired mixture ratioby the correlation number.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thefunction consists of dividing the desired mixture ratio by thecorrelation number.
 6. The method of claim 1, further includingselecting a predetermined volume of oil that is correlated to thedesired mixture ratio by a correlation number which is readily mentallydivisible into the desired mixture ratio to provide a quotient equal tothe number of fuel units required.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein thefunction consists of dividing the desired mixture ratio by thecorrelation number.
 8. The method of claim 1, further includingselecting a predetermined volume of oil that is correlated to thedesired mixture ratio by a correlation number which can readily bementally multiplied times the desired mixture ratio to provide a productequal to the number.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the correlationnumber is a positive, non-negative, whole number integer value.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising providing a tablecross-referencing potential desired mixture ratios to required fuel unitquantities calculated by the function using the correlation number. 11.The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined volume of oil isunknown at the time of calculating the required number of fuel units.12. The method of claim 1, further comprising adding the determinednumber of fuel units to the predetermined volume of oil.
 13. The methodof claim 1, further comprising packaging the predetermined volume of oilin an oil container.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprisingadding a packaging allowance volume of oil to the predetermined volumeof oil in the oil container, to thereby form combined contents of theoil container.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising providinginstructions for the manner in which the predetermined volume of oilportion of the combined contents of the oil container are to betransferred to a mixing vessel, to thereby facilitate delivery of theentire predetermined volume of oil to a mixing container.
 16. The methodof claim 12, further comprising mixing the predetermined volume of oiland the determined number of fuel units in a mixing vessel.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, further comprising conducting the mixing at a liquidfuel pump, the pump having a meter providing an indicated amount ofliquid fuel pumped, wherein said mixing further comprises pumping theliquid pump and dispensing pumped liquid into the mixing vessel untilthe indicated amount equals the determined amount of fuel units andplacing the amount of oil into the mixing vessel.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the liquid fuel is dispensed into the mixing vesselafter the predetermined amount of oil is placed into the storage vessel.19. The method of claim 18, further comprising packaging thepredetermined volume of oil in an oil container, to provide a contentsof the oil container, and adding the contents of the oil container tothe mixing vessel.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:adding a packaging allowance volume of oil to predetermined volume ofoil in the oil container, to thereby form combined contents of the oilcontainer; providing instructions for transferring the predeterminedvolume of oil portion of the combined contents from the oil containerinto the missing vessel; and transferring the predetermined volume ofoil portion of the combined contents of oil container into the mixingvessel, in accordance with the provided instructions.
 21. An apparatusfor mixing fuel and oil to achieve a desired mixture ratio, theapparatus comprising: an oil container containing a predetermined volumeof oil for mixing with a required number of fuel units, for achievingthe desired mixture ratio; the predetermined volume of oil beingcalculated as a function of calculation terms including the desiredmixture ratio and an arbitrarily selected correlation number correlatingthe predetermined volume of oil to the desired mixture ratio, to therebyallow the required number of fuel units to be calculated without the useof a calculation term equaling the predetermined volume of oil.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 21, further comprising instructions for calculatingthe required number of fuel units using the correlation number.
 23. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein the correlation number is marked on theoil container.
 24. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a tablecross-referencing potential desired mixture ratios to required fuel unitquantities calculated by the function using the correlation number. 25.The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the table includes required fuel unitquantities in two or more different standard units of measurement, forwhich the required number of fuel units is calculated using the samecorrelation number.
 26. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising apackaging allowance volume of oil in addition to the predeterminedvolume of oil in the oil container, to thereby form combined contents ofthe oil container.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein neither thepackaging volume of oil nor the combined contents of the oil containerare specified.
 28. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprisingtransfer instructions for the manner in which the predetermined volumeof oil portion of the combined contents of the oil container are to betransferred to a mixing vessel, to thereby facilitate delivery of theentire predetermined volume of oil to a mixing container.
 29. Theapparatus of claim 27, wherein the transfer instructions are attached tothe oil container.
 30. A method for mixing fuel and oil to achieve adesired mixture ratio, the method comprising: selecting two or moreunits of measurement in which it may be desirable to calculate arequired number of fuel units to be mixed with a predetermined volume ofoil, for achieving the desired mixture ratio; and arbitrarily selectinga correlation number that can be used for calculating a required numberof fuel units, in one or the other of the two units of measurement, tobe mixed with a predetermined volume of oil, for achieving the desiredmixture ratio, as a function of calculation terms including the desiredmixture ratio and the arbitrarily selected correlation number; thecorrelation number thereby correlating the predetermined volume of oilto the desired mixture ratio in such a manner that the required numberof fuel units can be calculated in either or both of the selected unitsof measurement with the correlation number and without the use of acalculation term equaling the predetermined volume of oil.
 31. Themethod of claim 30, further comprising, providing a tablecross-referencing potential desired mixture ratios to required fuel unitquantities as calculated by the function using the correlation numberfor both of the selected systems of units.
 32. A method for mixing twoor more fluids to achieve a desired mixture ratio, the methodcomprising, calculating a required number of units of a first liquid tobe mixed with a predetermined volume of a second liquid, for achievingthe desired mixture ratio, as a function of calculation terms includingthe desired mixture ratio and an arbitrarily selected correlation numbercorrelating the predetermined volume of the second liquid to the desiredmixture ratio, to thereby allow the required number of units of thefirst liquid to be calculated without the use of a calculation termequaling the predetermined volume of the second liquid.